Method and Apparatus for Handling Drill Tubes

ABSTRACT

A pipe handling apparatus, for handling drill tubes on a drilling platform, has an upper guide member comprising a retention head mounted on an arm. The arm can extend telescopically so as to position it to allow the retention head to engage a drill tube for placement in and removal from a rack.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/761,849, filed May 6, 2020, which is a US national stage applicationof international application no. PCT/GB2018/053238, filed Nov. 8, 2018,which claims priority from UK application no. 1718482.1 filed on Nov. 8,2017. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for handlingdrill tubes and is concerned in particular with a method and apparatusfor handling drill pipes and drill collars on oil drilling rigs.

BACKGROUND

The framework for supporting a drilling apparatus on an oil rig is knownas a derrick or mast 800, as shown in FIG. 1 .

Storing and retrieving drill tubes on an oil drilling rig is anextremely dangerous and hazardous task undertaken by a human operativeknown as a derrickman. The derrickman's operating position varies fromone drilling rig to another, however, they often work on a platform 810towards the top of the derrick or mast 800.

When tripping out of a drill hole (removing) or tripping into a drillhole (installing) the drill tubes, one of the derrickman's tasks is toguide the top of each drill tube (not shown) from a rack 820 towards alifting apparatus 830 suspended from above, within the derrick or mast800. This task is often undertaken by the derrickman as he standstowards the top of the derrick or mast 800 on a narrow, cantileveredboard 810. Working conditions can be hazardous not least because theboard 810 can become slippery during adverse weather conditions.

The challenges associated with these tasks can often result in injuryto, or even death of, the derrickman. The lifting apparatus 830 moves athigh speeds, and when tripping in the drill tubes, it is the job of thederrickman to position the drill tubes such that they are caught by thelifting apparatus to be installed towards the top of the drill string (aseries of drill tubes which extend into the drill hole). Similarly, whentripping out, the derrickman must manually manoeuvre the drill tube fromthe lifting apparatus 830 back to a storage position in the rack 820.

The individual drill tubes are often large, typically above 20 metres inlength, and weigh hundreds of kilograms. The manoeuvring of the drilltubes, especially when returning them to the rack 820, means that it isnot uncommon for derrickmen to trap body parts between drill tubesresulting in crush injuries. Additionally, in adverse weatherconditions, such as heavy rain and strong winds, it is not uncommon forthe derrickman to trip, fall or otherwise become displaced off the board810, resulting in catastrophic injury.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus andmethod for handling drill tubes in which the above-mentioneddisadvantages are at least partly overcome.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, towhich reference should now be made. Further preferred features may befound in the sub-claims appended thereto.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedpipe handling apparatus for a drilling rig. In one arrangement there isprovided an upper guide apparatus for handling drill tubes on a drillingplatform; the apparatus comprising a retention head mounted on an arm;wherein the arm is positionable so as to allow the retention head toengage a drill tube for placement in and removal from a rack.

The arm may comprise an upper arm.

Preferably, the arm comprises a plurality of sections. The sections maybe connected together and arranged to extend and contract, preferablytelescopically.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a machine housing, and the arm isarranged to pivot/rotate about an axis extending through the machinehousing.

The machine housing may be arranged to move along a track. The track maybe arranged to extend transversely with respect to at least one rack.

The track may be positioned under a support platform of the drillingplatform. This allows for easy access to the machine housing and trackwhen performing maintenance, and to allow better visibility of thefunctioning of the apparatus. This position also enables the arm to bestored away from the other operating aspects of the drilling rig.

The retention head may comprise a capturing means for selecting andcapturing a drill tube.

Preferably, the capturing means comprises a static portion and a movableportion. The movable portion may be arranged to rotate so as to grip adrill tube when in use. This allows the same retention head to be usedfor drill tubes of a number of diameters.

The movement of the arm and/or retention head may be by electricalmotor, hydraulics and/or pneumatics.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda lower guide apparatus for handling drill tubes on a drilling platform;the apparatus comprising an arm mounted for pivotable movement, and ahead portion for supporting a drill tube in use.

Preferably, the arm is mounted for pivotable movement about two axes.

The head portion may be moveable between two configurations, to presenttwo different support tools to a drill tube.

The tools may include a guide head and/or a roller. Preferably, theguide head and roller are sized to accommodate a plurality of drill tubesizes.

The head portion may be locked in a chosen configuration with a lockingmechanism when a tool has been chosen.

The arm may pivot about a vertical axis within a predetermined angle.The predetermined angle may be +/−20 degrees from a mean position.

The movement of the arm may be effected by electrical motor, hydraulicsand/or pneumatics.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod for handling drill tubes on a drilling platform, the methodcomprising selecting a drill tube; and guiding an upper portion of thedrill tube with an upper guide arm.

Preferably the method includes guiding a lower portion of the drill tubewith a lower guide arm; so as to move the drill tube between a first,stowed position and a second, operative position.

Preferably, the upper guide arm and lower guide arm are automaticallydirected, more preferably in a coordinated manner, to a drill tube onceselected. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may control thepositioning of the upper guide arm and/or lower guide arm, optionallyindependently of one another.

The user may control the upper guide arm and/or the lower guide arm viaan interface.

Optionally, the interface may include a joystick.

The method may include electronically monitoring the position of theupper guide arm and the lower guide.

The stowed position may comprise a position in a rack and the operativeposition may comprise a substantially central location with respect tothe rig.

The lower guide arm may be arranged to guide the lower portion of thedrill tube using a guide head, and/or a roller.

Preferably, the lower guide arm is arranged to rotate about a firstpivot to guide the lower portion of the drill tube between positions.The lower guide arm may also rotate about a second pivot to guide thelower portion of the drill tube between positions.

Optionally, the upper guide arm comprises an extendable, preferablytelescopic, arm arranged in use to position the upper guide arm forretrieval/storage of a drill tube. The upper guide arm may be attachedto a track which may be used for constraining and/or predefining themovement.

The movement of the upper and/or lower arm may be effected by anelectrical motor, hydraulics and/or pneumatics.

The upper guide arm and lower guide arm may be according to anystatement herein.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda system for handling drill tubes on a drilling platform, the systemcomprising an upper guide arm and a lower guide arm; wherein the upperguide arm guides an upper portion of the drill tube; and the lower guidearm guides a lower portion of the drill tube; so as to move the drilltube between a first, stowed position and a second, operative position.

The stowed position may correspond to a drill tube in a rack and theoperative position may be a location substantially central with respectto the rig.

The movement of the upper and/or lower arms may be effected by anelectrical motor, hydraulics and/or pneumatics.

The upper guide arm and lower guide arm may be according to anystatement herein.

The invention also comprises a program for causing a device to perform amethod according to any statement herein.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan apparatus comprising a processor and a memory having therein computerreadable instructions, the processor being arranged in used to read theinstructions to cause the performance of a method for handling drilltubes on a drilling platform, the method comprising selecting a drilltube; guiding an upper portion of the drill tube with an upper guidearm; and guiding a lower portion of the drill tube with a lower guidearm; so as to move the drill tube between a first, stowed position and asecond, operative position.

The invention also includes a computer implemented method comprisinghandling drill tubes on a drilling platform, the method comprisingselecting a drill tube; guiding an upper portion of the drill tube withan upper guide arm; and guiding a lower portion of the drill tube with alower guide arm; so as to move the drill tube between a first, stowedposition and a second, operative position.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a computer program producton a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, comprisingcomputer readable instructions that, when executed by a computer, causethe computer to perform a method of handling drill tubes on a drillingplatform, the method comprising selecting a drill tube; guiding an upperportion of the drill tube with an upper guide arm; and guiding a lowerportion of the drill tube with a lower guide arm; so as to move thedrill tube between a first, stowed position and a second, operativeposition.

The invention may include any combination of features or limitationsreferred to herein, except such a combination of features as aremutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described byway of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an example of a previously considered drill floor and drillingmast;

FIG. 2 is an overview of a drill floor and drilling mast having theplatform and lower arm attached in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of an upper portion of the drilling rig ofFIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a lower portion of the drilling rig of FIG.2 ;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an upper arm in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of a platform with an upper arm;

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the platform of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower arm in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower arm of FIG. 8 in an extendedposition;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower arm of FIG. 8 in an extendedand rotated position;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the steps of selecting and installing adrill tube; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the steps of removing a drill tube from adrill string and storing in a rack in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Throughout the figures, like reference numbers refer to like features

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides apparatus and a method for handling drilltubes, such as drill pipes or drill casings on a drilling platform. Thehandling of drill tubes is commonly undertaken by a derrickman on aplatform at the top of the drilling platform. The derrickman isresponsible for moving/guiding the drill tubes into and out of positionas they are added to and removed from the drill string. The weight ofthese tubes means that this job is extremely hazardous and can oftenresult in injuries such as crushed digits. Additionally, as these taskstake place at the top of a drill rig, often 27 m (90 feet) or more inthe air, on a narrow platform, adverse weather conditions can result infalls which may cause further injury.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a platform 200 and a lower arm assembly 300when installed, or retrofitted, on an existing drilling rig 400.

FIG. 3 shows the upper portion of one of the drill tubes 410 has beensecured in the lifting assembly 420 of the drilling rig 400. Theplatform 200 comprises an upper guide arm 100 for guiding the upperportion of one of the drill tubes 410 into position.

At the lower portion of the rig 400, as shown in FIG. 4 , the lower partof one of the drill tubes 410 is being guided into position over therest of the drill string (not shown) by the lower guide arm 300. Thelower guide arm 300 has a turret head 330. Collars are tubes having adiameter of 0.1 meters-0.6 meters, and may be moved into a substantiallyvertical position, and into a substantially central location withrespect to the drilling rig.

The upper 100 and lower 300 guide arms are operated under the control ofan operative, usually at ground level.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic exploded view of an upper arm 100 for mountingon a drilling platform (not shown) for handling drill tubes. The arm 100comprises a telescopically extending portion 110 made up of at least twosections 110A, 110B terminating with a retention head 120 for holding atube (not shown). The telescopic sections of the example are made fromhigh-strength weldable steel which allows for a simpler design and alower weight than is the case with previously considered apparatus madefrom standard sections of lower grade steel.

The telescopic portion 110 is arranged so that the first section 110A issubstantially hollow and has a larger cross-section than the secondsection 110B. The second section 110B is arranged in use to movelaterally within the interior space of the first section 110A so thatthe length of the telescopic section 110 can be controlled so as to beable to reach objects at varying distances. The telescopic section 110may be controlled hydraulically, pneumatically and/or by electricalmotors (not shown).

The retention head 120 is positioned at the end of the second section110B and enables the arm 100 to select drill tubes (not shown) from oneor more predetermined locations. The retention head 120 comprises adrill tube adaptor 121 and a movable retaining finger 122. The drilltube adaptor 121 moves transversely with respect of the axis ofextension/longitudinal axis, within the retention head 120 therebyallowing the retention head 120 to hold drill tubes of varyingdiameters. The finger 122 is arcuately curved and can move between anopen and a closed position so as to grip/release a drill tube. Thefinger 122 may comprise a rack which interacts with a gear (not shown)within the retention head 120 enabling the finger 122 to move betweenopen and closed positions. The finger/gear may be controlledelectrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically within the retention head120.

The telescopic arm 110 is pivotably connected to a machine housing 130via a mounting member 140. The telescopic section 110 is arranged toconnect to the mounting member 140 such that the first portion 110A isarranged to move laterally within the cross-section of the mountingmember 140.

The mounting member 140 comprises a pivot 141 which extends into themachine housing 130, and is operable to rotate, thereby causing thetelescopic section 110 and retention head 120 to rotate in use. Thepivot 141 comprises a slew ring which in some embodiments may comprise aroller bearing and/or teethed outer pinion which is drivenhydraulically, pneumatically, and/or via an electric motor.

The machine housing 130 is connected to a track (not shown) andcomprises two or more supporting members 131 (one for each side) whichinteract with the track and ensure the arm 100 follows the track. Themachine housing 130 also comprises a propulsion means 132, such as agear arranged to interact with a rack mounted on or within the track.The necessary connections, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and electricalcables and pipework are connected to drag chain 133 which moves alongwith the arm and ensures the cables/pipework are organised and do notbecome tangled and/or damaged.

FIG. 6 shows a lower perspective view of the drill tube storage platform200 and mounting location for the arm 100 shown in FIG. 5 . In thisexample the arm is mounted below the platform, which allows for goodvisibility from below. FIG. 7 shows an upper perspective view of theplatform 200. The platform 200 is arranged to be mounted on an upperportion of a drilling rig (not shown). The arm 100 is mounted on a track210 located below a support platform 220. As mentioned above, the arm100 is arranged to move along the track 210 so as to be positioned forretrieving or storing drill tubes (not shown) in one or more racks 230.In use, drill tubes are arranged vertically within the one or more racksand prevented from being removed by a closing gate 231 which is operableto open and close during the retrieval and storage process. This alsoprovides added safety in the event of adverse weather conditions, suchas high wind. The platform may also comprise a control station 240 whichenables a user to manually control the arm 100, and other equipment,whilst obviating the need for direct handling of the drill tubes. Whilstthis still requires a user to be positioned on the platform 200, it willresult in a reduction of injuries, especially crush injuries, fromdirect handling of the tube.

FIGS. 8-10 show a lower arm 300 for guiding a lower portion of the drilltube (not shown) into position when removing from, or storing in, theracks 230 of FIGS. 6 and 7 .

The lower arm 300 comprises an arm member 310 connected to a first pivot315 at a proximal end. At an opposing distal end, the arm 310 comprisesa turret head 330. The turret head 330 is pivotably mounted on the armmember 310 and has at least two positions providing tools for differenttasks such as the task of tripping and tailing tubes/collars ofdiffering diameters.

When in a first position, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the turret 330 ispositioned such that a first tool 331 is available for use. The firsttool 331 may be a roller for use when tailing/running in. The roller 331is arranged to contact the lower portion of a drill tube/collar andguide it into position. In other scenarios, the turret 330 may berotated about the pivot and secured in position such that a second tool332 is available for use as shown in FIG. 10 . The second tool maycomprise a concave, preferably semi-circular recess in the turret head330 for contacting with, and guiding, the drill tube into position.

As mentioned above, the turret 330 may rotate about a pivot. The turret330 is secured in position using a locking pin 333 which is arrangedwhen in the locked position, to extend through an aperture 334 in theturret 330. It will be appreciated that the rotation and locking of theturret 330 may be manually controlled, or alternatively, one or bothoperations may be powered, for example by way of an electric motor.

The arm member 310 is arranged rotate about the first pivot 315 suchthat the turret head moves arcuately away from the drill rig (notshown). This motion may be controlled electrically, hydraulically, orpneumatically, for example using pistons 320 as shown in FIG. 9 .

The entire lower arm assembly 300 is positioned on a support 340 betweentwo horizontal supports 350A,350B of the drill rig. The support 340 ispivotably connected between the horizontal supports 350A,350B via avertical pivot 345 thereby allowing the arm member 310 to rotate aboutthe vertical pivot 345 so as to extend the range of the arm. As with thefirst pivot 315, the vertical pivot 345 may be hydraulically,pneumatically or electrically operated by way of an upper piston 360enabling horizontal movement by rotating the support 340 which isassociated with the first pivot 315. For example, the support 340 mayrotate +/−20 degrees as shown in FIG. 10 which shows the arm extendedand rotated at an angle.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart indicating the steps for selecting a drill tubeand moving it into position for connection to a drill string (tailing).At step 510 an operator indicates which drill tube from the drill tuberack 230 is to be selected. The method then moves to step 520 where theupper arm 100 is moved into position. The method moves to step 530, andthe retention head 120 of the upper arm 100 is directed to grab theselected drill tube. This is achieved by extending the telescopicsection 110 of the upper arm 100, and then by using the drill tubeadaptor 121 and the finger 122 to securely grasp the selected drilltube. Once the system is notified, either manually or via one or moresensors, that the drill tube has been securely captured, the methodmoves to step 540 where the lower arm 300 is positioned such that theturret head 330, with the roller 331 in use, is resting against thelower portion of the selected drill tube. Once in position, the securingrack gate 231 is opened. The method then moves to step 560 wherein theupper arm 100 and the lower arm 300 synchronously move to guide thedrill tube into position. Once in position, the method moves to step 570where the drill tube is connected to the elevator 420. The method thenmoves to step 580 where the drill tube is released and the upper 100 andlower 300 arms are reset to their starting position, ready to select thenext drill tube for connection to the drill string.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart indicating the steps for removing a drill tubefrom a drill string and storing it in the rack 230. Once the drill tubeis in position at step 610 the upper arm 100 is positioned to grab theupper portion of the drill tube. The method then moves to step 620 wherethe lower arm 300 is positioned so that the turret head 330, with theracking head portion 332 in use, contacts the lower portion of the drilltube. Once in position, the method moves to step 630 where the retentionhead 120 grabs the upper portion of the drill tube. The drill tube isthen removed from the elevator 420, at step 640 and the methodprogresses to step 650 wherein the rack gate 231 of the selected rackingposition is opened. The method then moves to step 660 where the drilltube is guided to the selected racking position using the upper 100 andlower 300 arms. Once in position, the method moves to step 670 whereinthe rack gate 231 is closed. The method then progresses to step 680where the upper 100 and lower 300 arm positions are reset.

Embodiments of pipe handling apparatus according to the presentinvention employ telescoping sections to extend and retract an upperarm/guide so that drill tubes can efficiently be stowed in a tube rackor withdrawn therefrom and taken to an operative position for use. Thetelescopic approach allows good dimensional control whilst providingexcellent strength to weight ratio. As a result, the apparatus iscompact/shallow and light in weight in contrast with a scissor orV-frame structure.

The relative compactness and lightness means that the apparatus is easyto install and dismantle. In particular, the apparatus may be stowedwith the racking board/platform. This means that the apparatus isparticularly suited to use with smaller drilling rigs, and operationswith a relatively short duration, such as is the case with manyland-based rigs. The resultant saving of work in setting up and laterdismantling when moving to a new location lessens costly down-time, whenthe rig is not productive.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the invention believed to be of particular importance,it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein,and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis hasbeen placed thereon.

1. A pipe handling apparatus for handling drill tubes on a drillingplatform, the apparatus including an upper guide member comprising aretention head mounted on an arm; wherein the arm is positionable so asto allow the retention head to engage a drill tube for placement in andremoval from a rack.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thearm comprises a plurality of sections connected together telescopicallyand arranged to extend and contract.
 3. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein the arm is arranged in use to pivot/rotate about asubstantially vertical axis.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the arm is arranged to move along a track.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the arm is mountable to an underside of arack support platform for stowing drill tubes.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the track is positioned under a racksupport platform.
 7. The apparatus according claim 1, wherein theretention head comprises a static portion and a movable portion.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the movable portion is arrangedto rotate so as to grip a drill tube when in use.
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the movement of the arm and/or retentionhead is arranged to be achieved by electrical motor, hydraulics and/orpneumatics.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising alower guide member for handling drill tubes, the member comprising alower arm mounted for pivotable movement, and a head portion forsupporting a drill tube in use.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the lower arm is mounted for pivotable movement about two axes.12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the head portion ismoveable between two configurations, to present two different supporttools to the drill tube.
 13. A method for handling drill tubes on adrilling platform, the method comprising selecting a drill tube andguiding an upper portion of the drill tube with an upper guide arm. 14.The method according to claim 13, comprising guiding a lower portion ofthe drill tube with a lower guide arm; so as to move the drill tubebetween a first, stowed position and a second, operative position. 15.The method according to claim 14, wherein the upper guide arm and lowerguide arm are automatically directed to a drill tube once selected. 16.The method according to claim 13, wherein the upper guide arm comprisesan extendable, telescopic, arm arranged in use to position the upperguide arm for retrieval/storage of a drill tube.